Introduction
Mary Berry’s traybake Recipe – Lemon Drizzle is a timeless British baking classic that is sure to impress. This moist and crunchy lemon sponge cake is topped with a tangy lemon syrup, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, preparing for a bake sale, or simply indulging yourself, this lemon drizzle traybake is the ideal choice. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to create this delicious dessert, ensuring your bake is a success every time.
Table of Contents
History and Origin
Lemon drizzle cake, a beloved staple of British baking, has its roots in the 17th and 18th centuries when lemons were brought to Europe by explorers. Initially, lemon cakes were dense and made with coarse ingredients, but as sugar became more accessible and baking techniques improved, recipes evolved into lighter, more delicate cakes. The lemon drizzle cake, known for its moist sponge soaked with lemon syrup, likely emerged in the mid-20th century. Mary Berry, a renowned British baker, has popularized the lemon drizzle traybake, making it a household favorite with her straightforward and delicious recipe. This cake has become a cultural icon, celebrated in British cafes, homes, and baking competitions for its simplicity and refreshing flavor.
Ingredients for Mary Berry’s Traybake Recipe: Lemon Drizzle
Cake Ingredients:
- 225g (8oz) butter (room temperature) or vegetable spread (at least 70% fat), plus extra for greasing
- 225g (8oz) caster sugar
- 275g (9 1⁄2oz) self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 4 large eggs
- 4 tbsp milk
- Grated zest of 2 lemons
Glaze Ingredients:
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 175g (6oz) sugar
Instructions for Mary Berry’s Traybake Recipe: Lemon Drizzle
Preparation
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C/350°F/Gas 4).
Prepare the Traybake Tin
- Grease a traybake tin measuring 30 x 23cm (12 x 9in) and 4cm (1½in) deep, and line the base with baking parchment. Ensuring the tin is properly prepared will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove once baked.
Mixing the Cake
Combine the Ingredients
- Place the butter, sugar, flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer for 1–2 minutes or with a wooden spoon for a little longer, until smooth. The mixture should be light and fluffy, indicating that enough air has been incorporated to help the cake rise properly.
Transfer the Mixture
- Turn the mixture into the lined tin and spread evenly. Use a spatula to smooth and scrape up all the mixture around the sides of the bowl. Ensuring the batter is evenly spread will help the cake bake uniformly.
Baking the Cake
Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until risen and springy to the touch. You can check if the cake is done by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean.
Cool the Cake
- Run a knife around the edge of the traybake to loosen it from the tin, and then transfer it to a wire rack. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the tin as it cools and makes it easier to apply the glaze.
Making the Glaze
Mix the Glaze
- Mix the lemon juice with the sugar and spoon over the warm cake. The cake should be warm, but not hot, to absorb the lemon syrup effectively. If the cake is too hot, the syrup will run straight through, and if it is too cold, it won’t absorb as well.
Serving
Cool and Cut
- Leave to cool then cut into 30 squares. This makes it easy to serve and enjoy. The lemon drizzle traybake can be stored in an airtight container for several days, retaining its moisture and flavor.
Tips and Variations for Mary Berry’s Traybake Recipe: Lemon Drizzle
Timing is Key
The cake needs to be still warm when the topping is added so that it absorbs the lemon syrup easily, leaving the sugar on top. Allow the cake to cool a little though – if it is too hot the syrup will tend to run straight through. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of moist cake and crunchy topping.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This classic Mary Berry’s Traybake Recipe: Lemon Drizzle is a delicious and easy-to-make bake that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a bake sale, or just a treat for yourself. The refreshing lemon flavor makes it an ideal dessert for spring and summer events, while its simplicity makes it a favorite year-round.
FAQ’s for Mary Berry’s Traybake Recipe
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine or a vegetable spread as long as it contains at least 70% fat. This ensures the cake has the right texture and flavor.
How do I store the lemon drizzle traybake?
Store the lemon drizzle traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.
What if I don’t have self-raising flour?
If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can make your own by combining 275g of plain flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Sift them together to ensure they are well mixed before using in the recipe.
Can I add poppy seeds to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter can give the cake a delightful texture and a subtle nutty flavor, complementing the lemon beautifully.
Is it necessary to use caster sugar?
Caster sugar is ideal because its fine texture helps it dissolve more quickly, resulting in a smoother batter and glaze. If you don’t have caster sugar, you can use granulated sugar, but the texture might be slightly different.
Mary Berry’s Lemon Drizzle Traybake: A Timeless British Classic
Mary Berry’s Traybake Recipe: Lemon Drizzle is a timeless British baking classic that is sure to impress. With its moist and crunchy lemon sponge cake and tangy lemon syrup topping, Mary Berry’s Traybake Recipe: Lemon Drizzle a perfect treat for any occasion. By following these detailed steps, tips, and variations, you’ll be able to create this delicious bake with confidence. Happy baking!
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